Often it can seem like the police and local council aren't doing enough to remove the encampments quickly, but with matters of this kind it can take days for the law to be enacted and the travellers have to be treated fairly.

But if you were wondering what you can do, what the council can do and what you can expect to happen when an illegal encampment lands on your doorstep, here is a handy guide.

Where travellers cannot park

Obviously, travellers cannot set up camp on any land they do not have permission for.

Housing charity Shelter gives a list of places travellers cannot park at all and would face immediate eviction.

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It's an offence to park -

on a road or verge or in a layby in a way that obstructs or could be a danger to other users of the road

on cultivated land such as farm land

in enclosed plantations such as land owned by the Forestry Commission

What about council land?

Some councils may have areas of waste ground that can be used temporarily by travellers as unauthorised sites, reports the Liverpool Echo.

If they are parked on council land a representative with visit the site and will assess whether they should be moved on or not.

A council rep will need to consider how long they are planning to stay, if anyone is ill, elderly or pregnant - it could be a risk to move them - and any safety issues that affect the site, for example, if it is by a railway line.

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The council also need to consider if the number of vehicles is appropriate for the size of the area, what the land is normally used for and whether it's needed in the near future, any potential damage to the land and the effect on the local community.

You should contact your local council and alert them so they can carry out their assessments for the well-being of the travellers and the effects on the local area and community.

What the council has to do while travellers are there

The council may provide facilities such as portable toilets and bin bags for rubbish for the travellers and they would be charged a small fee.

Travellers can ask the council to provide these facilities in the interests of public health.

The travellers were evicted from the Stoke Gifford park on Friday

What happens next?

Local authorities must apply for injunctions and court orders.

The council must firstly show that the travellers are on the land without consent.

Removal time will depend upon when a court hearing date can be obtained.

In many instances, however, a leaving date will be agreed with the travellers to prevent eviction.

What about the police?

The council or landowner can contact the police if a traveller site is trespassing and they can be immediately evicted from the site if there are two or more people, they have six or more vehicles parked on the land or one of them has caused damage or behaved in a threatening or abusive manner.

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The police will ask a traveller encampment to move on as soon as it's practical for you to do so. They should be given time to pack up the site and fix any broken-down vehicles.

What if they don't move?

If the travellers fail to move on in the time given, or return to the same site within three moths, it is a criminal offence.

This can lead to a fine or prison sentence if convicted. The police also have the right to tow away vehicles, which will then be destroyed if not claimed within 21 days.

Travellers in Siston Park

What happens when gypsies and travellers visit the neighbourhood?

Most of the time, Gypsies and Travellers like to keep themselves to themselves, residents and landowners are told.

In some situations - such as a wedding or funeral, if a relative is in hospital, or if they have broken down - they may stop closer to residential areas.

I have seen Gypsies or Travellers camping on council-owned land – what do I do?

When this happens, the council in question should consider each case individually. They can only take action if the land being occupied is owned by them, but are able to notify landlords and advise them on what to do.

Generally, the site is visited by the council who do their best to make sure the gypsies or travellers keep the area clean and tidy.

This sometimes means refuse collection facilities may be provided by the council.

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Councils can't remove unauthorised encampments from their land immediately, as they have to follow national legislation and guidelines.

They have to be able to show the gypsies or travellers are on the land without consent, look into the general health and welfare of the travellers and their children's education, and they have to comply with the Human Rights Acts 1998.

Following this procedure will allow the council to obtain authority from the courts to order the gypsies or travellers to leave the site.

Portishead Football Club damage left by the travellers (Image: Jon kent)

How long does it take for travellers to be moved on?

This depends on the individual situation.

Councils have to follow the procedures outlined above and have to wait for a court hearing date to be set. They won’t specify a time frame.

Can the court refuse to grant the council an order to move gypsies or travellers on?

Yes. If there is an unavoidable reason for the Gypsies or Travellers to stay on the site, or if the court believes we have failed to make adequate enquiries regarding the general health and welfare of the Gypsies or Travellers. We must try to find out this information before going to court.

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If negotiations aren't going well, leave discussions for the time being and get advice from your solicitor.

Is it OK to let them stay if there aren't any problems?

Yes, short term occupation is absolutely fine.

Long-term occupation will need planning permission from your council.

What if I need to reclaim possession of my land?

This is where your solicitor plays a key role, and will probably tell you the problem can be resolved in the civil courts under the Civil Procedure Rules.

This involves asking trespassers to leave, issuing and serving a court summons, seeking a possession order in court, serving the order, and if necessary executing a warrant for possession with county court bailiffs.

Where can I find out more?

Your local council should have information readily available to residents.